Lawmakers are preparing to introduce a federal tax incentive proposal aimed at bolstering the US film and television industry. The legislation, named The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act by Donald Trump, seeks to encourage domestic production by offering credits that could be combined with state incentives, making US locations more competitive globally. The proposal has garnered broad support from industry groups and unions, though concerns about its cost and the use of federal subsidies have been raised.
The proposed federal tax incentives could significantly alter production economics for the film and television industry, potentially leading to increased domestic job creation and investment, while also raising questions about government spending and fiscal responsibility.
Lawmakers are set to introduce a federal tax incentive proposal aimed at revitalizing the US film and television industry, a move that has garnered significant support from industry stakeholders. The legislation, dubbed The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act by Donald Trump, is designed to make domestic production more competitive globally by allowing federal credits to be combined with existing state incentives.
Joseph Chianese, a senior vice president at Entertainment Partners, stated that if the proposal passes, filming in states like California, New York, Georgia, and New Jersey would become the most advantageous globally. The initiative traces its roots partly to 2025, with early drafting and coalition-building efforts led by Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who co-founded the bipartisan Congressional American Film & TV Production Caucus with other supportive lawmakers. A hearing in March highlighted job losses attributed to runaway production.
The proposal has broad backing from entities such as the Motion Picture Association, various entertainment unions, and talent agencies. However, concerns about the financial cost and the principle of federal subsidies have been voiced. Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) expressed reservations about deficit spending, while still wanting to support Georgia's film industry. Recent polling indicates that California voters are also interested in increased state-level incentives to retain production within the state.
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